Our guide to Pinatubo

*map c/o trekkingpinatubo.com

What to expect:

• The Trek to Pinatubo starts with a 4x4 jeep ride from the base camp at (Brgy. Sta. Juliana Capas, Tarlac) that takes an hour in the Old Way and an hour and half in the Sky way.
• The Old Way or Long Trail takes (12km) about 2 hours trek time. 
• The Sky Way or Short Trail (8km) takes about 30min-1 hour trek time.
• For the trail going to the crater expect to encounter water streams. 
• There are times that we will pass by some lush vegetation – a contrast on the barren field that we will cross with the 4x4 vehicle. A few minutes before we reach the view deck of Mt. Pinatubo, a fresh water spring can be found. 
• The Pinatubo crater is the end destination of the trip. Its turquoise colored water is the most beautiful part of Mt. Pinatubo. The lake is 2 km wide, is 600-800 meters deep and has a surface area of about 6.3 square km. The water is hot and bubbling (but swimmable), manifestations of an active volcano.
• Kayaking/boating around the lake can be arranged, that usually costs P350/head. Maybe we can use our bargaining skills on site to make it lower.

*please see photos of the trail below

What to bring:

• Make sure you wear comfortable and reliable footwear. Trekking sandals is the best option but sneakers or rubber shoes will also do. Although expect your feet to get wet so bring an extra pair of flip flops.
• Wear any clothes you'd be comfortable in, I'm sure nobody would mind even if you come on your PJ's. But I suggest you wear something that could also protect you from the environment we'd be braving, and something that would make the trail easier/friendlier to you.
• As we all know, nothing can replace WATER so bring a water jug with you because you'll need it. If you've seen the movie 127 Hours, you should learn from James Franco, you wouldn't want to end up drinking your pee.
• If you're the type who gets hungry fast or needs sweets as a pick me up, bring light snacks with you but there will be a rewarding lunch buffet waiting for us after our trek.
• Sun block, cap, sunglasses can also be useful if you're the type who needs those to be comfortable.
• Two extra change of shirt and shorts/pants is recommended, I suspect we'd be swimming and taking a dip on the crater lake.   

I personally prefer the Long Trail but I would be open to taking the Sky Way if the majority agrees to go that way. I'd like to think of the long trail as a challenge, something we have to conquer before we get to the beautiful part. If you think you're not fit to go that way, no worries...we're on vacation, we don't need to hurry. It's not a race after all and the crater lake wouldn't go anywhere no matter how long it takes for us to finish the trail.

I'm so psyched for this trip! I can't wait for the adventure waiting for us, and to see the beauty of Mt. Pinatubo Crater. 

*photos c/o pinatubotours.blogspot.com

First stop: Mt.Pinatubo!

Holy week is like the sales convention for travel freaks. You get at least 4 days free pass to go anywhere you want and do whatever you want. No work, no deadline, no rush hour, no overtime. Just pure hundred percent awesome!

This Holy Week I plan to travel on a budget, and that would mean no flying out of the country or anything that involves airplanes and beaches (coz their rates are a killer during Holy Week) --- land travel is the cheapest way to go. Mt. Pinatubo is just the right stop, without compromising the adventure awaiting us with all the trekking, plus a rewarding view of the beautiful Pinatubo crater.

Now I know Pinatubo rings a bell and danger immediately comes to mind, after all it is an active volcano. But you would be surprised with Pinatubo's transformation. It has since become a tourist spot and an adventure destination.

Here are some travel inspiration photos for you:

So the plan is to go to Mt. Pinatubo on FRIDAY of Holy Week (April 22, 2011) - Cost: Php3,000

Inclusions:

Transfer from Manila-Pinatubo base camp and back

    - Meet up at wherever the middle point is to everyone (possibly 7/11 at GMA 7)

    - With gas, toll fee, etc.

    - Meet up time 4am sharp (van must leave exactly 4:30am)

Use of 4x4 jeep to trekking point

Entrance Fee

Local Tour Guide

Filipino Food Lunch Buffet

Use of locker and shower facilities

Travelurge tip (P50.00) :)

*boats are available on site at P350 to go around the lake, didn't include this in the package as not everyone might want to avail of this option

Please note that this is the best rate I could find for this trip, I've decided to chose this over a cheaper one because the package is more complete with the use of facilities and a rewarding lunch buffet after the 2 hour trek.

I'll post another entry, a guide on what to bring, what to expect, what to wear, etc. In the mean time if you have questions about the trip you can place a comment on this entry or email me at pat_delcastillo@yahoo.com. You need to confirm on or before APRIL 15, 2010.

This is an open invitation, literally to ANYONE who wants to join. I was able to get the low rates assuming that we're a group of 10, so the more people the better.

Come and meet new people in a fun adventure in Pinatubo! Let's go! :)

All photos c/o trekkingpinatubo.com